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Category: BBC News

Thor Halvorssen is a human rights activist who remains at the forefront of sensitive issues around the world. He has come to the aid of independent thinkers in many countries. His controversial style has brought attention to issues that had gone unnoticed by mainstream media publications and local governments.

Thor believes in the freedom of expression and has opposed totalitarian authorities that look too muffle the voice of small groups. He is the President of the Human Rights Foundation. The Human Rights Foundation is dedicated to upholding civil liberties and protecting the common voice.

Thor Halvorssen comes from a family of leaders and champions of freedom. His father was a top drug enforcement agent with the government of Venezuela. Thor’s father was investigating corruption between the Venezuelan government and the local drug cartel.

He was arrested and jailed on mysterious charges. He spent 74 days in prison and received horrific treatment. Thor was attending the University of Pennsylvania at the time. He left school to campaign for his father’s release. Thor received support from Amnesty International. The organization formed protest along with other groups that eventually lead to a decision. Thor’s father was finally found innocent of all charges.

According to Forbes, Thor Halvorssen has a passion for the circumstances of those who suffer under the rule of dictatorships. He has been featured on many notable publications including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, BBC News, Fox News, and The O’Reilly Factor.

The Human Rights Foundation has risen to an international level in terms of influence. The organization is dedicated to liberating political prisoners in oppressive situations. To this date HRF is responsible for the release of 7 prisoners around the world. Thor championed the cause of Lui Xiaobo, a Chinese activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Xiaobo sat in prison as he learned of the honor. His wife was placed on house arrest in order to keep her from attending the ceremony. Xiaobo is the only imprisoned recipient of the Nobel Prize.

Reporters from the Associated Press were forced to sneak past guards to conduct an interview with the wife of Liu Xiaobo. Thor Halvorssen participated in telling her story and providing an accurate picture of what life is like under current Chinese rule.